Three-Day Spiritual Celebration Honors Sufi Saint Sakhhi Jam Datar
The sacred town of Jam Sahib is set to host the 754th annual Urs of the revered Sufi saint of Sindh, Syed Asghar Ali Shah, popularly known as Sakhhi Jam Datar. The official three-day festivities will commence on Monday, 17 November, and continue through 19 November, drawing devotees from across the region.
Inauguration and Security Arrangements
Marking the importance of the event, the District Administration has declared a local holiday in Shaheed Benazirabad on the first day of the Urs. Police have finalized strict security arrangements to ensure a peaceful environment for all attendees. The Urs will be formally inaugurated by a distinguished group of officials and spiritual leaders, including Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad Division Shahmir Khan Bhutto, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Samad Nizamani, Sajjada Nashin of the shrine Faqeer Naveed Hussain Vistro, and PPP District President Muhammad Salim Zardari. The inauguration ceremony will feature the traditional laying of a ceremonial chadar at the shrine.
Promoting Peace and Cultural Showcases
A highlight of the second day will be a Peace Conference held in the courtyard of the shrine under the auspices of the Pakistan International Sufi Council. Sajjada Nashins and caretakers from various shrines will participate, spreading the timeless message of peace and harmony espoused by the saints. The town administration has made special arrangements for cleanliness and facilities for the thousands of expected devotees. Various departments have also set up scientific, cultural, and agricultural stalls to educate and entertain visitors.
Cultural and sporting events will be a major attraction throughout the celebration. On the first day at 7 pm, a chadar-poshi rally will be taken out from the bus stop to the shrine by Anjuman Qalandari Sakhhi Jam Datar. The three-day schedule is packed with traditional Sindhi games, including Kodi Kodi, horse racing, the cultural wrestling game 'Malakhro', cricket, and other sports competitions.
Sufi Music and Concluding Ceremonies
The festivities will reach their climax on the concluding day with a grand Sufi musical evening and a traditional Sughhar Kacheri hosted by the District Administration. The event will feature renowned Sindhi artists and folk intellectuals who will showcase their talent, providing a fitting end to the spiritual and cultural gathering.
